Restaurants near Riverfront Park

The ambience was very welcoming. We decided to dress up for this date and we didn’t feel overdressed. The wait staff and other employees were very kind and attentive. Definitely top five places we will return to. 

A wonderful and welcome addition to downtown South Bend fine dining. Beautifully situated on the riverfront with scenic views of the falls and the river lights. A wide ranging menu sure to please most culinary tastes. We had the fillet and it was one of the very best we ever had. Succulent, tender, bursting with flavor. Service was impeccable. The old fashion was perfect. Great selection of quality wines. A terrific feature of this riverside gem are the multiple seating options from the outdoor patio perched on the river bank to indoor seating at different levels all with expansive views of the surrounding skyline and the natural beauty of the rushing waters of the mighty St Joe. Value for the money? It is expensive but the old adage applies: “You get what you pay for.” Frankly, this place exceeded all of our expectations for a top tier restaurant of this caliber.

Food and drinks were amazing. Atmosphere was gorgeous.

We've lived in the South Bend area for nearly 4 years, and for that time have been hearing wonderful things about Cafe Navarre but never made the opportunity to go there. We dine in very nice restaurants at least once per month, and my wife and I both have restaurant and culinary histories, so we do delight in great food, service, and atmosphere. Our first visit to Cafe Navarre for our anniversary last evening was slightly disappointing. The ambiance was lacking, but the food quality and service were very good. Perhaps the tone was set by the bar tender with clearly minimal personality all but ignoring us, being given a dirty water glass, and then a dirty fork in our place setting. But from there, things went uphill. Our main server was fabulous, and the quality of the steak and filet and the small plates was outstanding. Maybe the disappointments were due to it being a Monday night. We'll try again sometime soon. (But will continue to watch for clean glasses and silverware), and likely avoid the bar if the same bartender is there.

Phenomenal performance by the team and the chef. Allowed for a very special moment for me and my wife. Highly recommend for anyone looking to take someone for a nice night out with excellent food!